#01-05 Shaw Towers, 100 Beach Road, 6396-3887.

Don’t know what to wear for the coming Chinese New Year? Look no further than the chic Tan Tan. This cozy boutique showcases an ultra modern range of fashionable Chinese clothing, manned by the attentive and talented designer Ms. Tan herself. Using Indian batik, silky sari cloths, English country floral and inspirations from vintage couture, each outfit here is unique and refreshing. There’s an outfit for every occasion: Be it a sundress for the garden party, a funky military top for office or an elegant qipao infused with Swarovski crystal.

#02-12G Ngee Ann Citty, 391 Orchard Rd., 6737-3537.

This new Shanghai Tang store is bigger and better. Fans of the luxury label will not want to miss the spanking new 2,500 sq. ft. space, where Chinese-inspired ready-to-wear pieces for men, women and children are stocked side by side a myriad of accessories and homeware items. We especially like the reversible Mongolian cashmere sweater and silk pajamas available here. The new store also boasts dim lighting and stylish black lacquered wood and brass to put you in the mood.

Chocolates are a gal’s second best friend. And like a good man, a good chocolate used to be hard to find. So thank goodness there’s now a slew of places selling decent handmade chocolates to choose from (we even have two places calling themselves chocolate factories!). We picked out four of the best, but rather than just describing them using the usual adjectives, we went a step further.

The Smooth Operator

This Chocolat Factory’s chocolates, like any sweet-talker you’d find in a bar or a club: They have a boyish charm to them—their shapes evoke childhood memories of naughty indulgence. But like any guy on the prowl, they’re lacking a little substance beyond the initial sugariness and don’t have much refinement or complexity. Good for a bit of fun or just to binge every now and then, but probably not one that you’d marry.

The Holiday Fling

Canele’s chocolates are perfect for those who like to experiment. What you see looks enticing but may not be what you expect, which can be a little titillating. Flavors like lemon tart and green tea make them unpredictable—you never quite know how they’re going to be—but like a holiday fling, they’re always worth pursuing and will leave a fond memory, even if the experience is somewhat surprising. We like that they’re creative, even if we might not always agree.

The Family Guy

After several years on our shores, Isreali chain Max Brenner has shown that it’s a stayer. This is a chocolate you can count on time and again. Like Mr Reliable, you know what you’re going to get and you’ll never be disappointed. Through good times and bad, and all the different flavors, these are consistently good chocolates—and we really can’t ask for more than that.

Mr Perfect

Smooth, classy and always well-heeled, these chocolates are like every girl’s fantasy dreamboat. Classic and consistent, these sophisticated chocolates can be relied upon to impress your parents (or your boss) and will have all the other gals green with envy. The creaminess of these quite traditional-tasting pralines makes The Chocolate Factory’s chocolates a winner. Chocolatier Laurent Bernard must be the most sought-after man in Singapore.

Address Book

Canele, #01-08 Unity St., Robertston Walk, 6738-8145; The Esprit Cafe by Canele, #03-100 Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Rd., 6733-7898.
Chocolat Factory, Spain2Dream, #01-18 Vivo City 1 Harbourfront Walk, 6376-9108.
The Chocolate Factory, #01-11 The Pier @ Robertson, 80 Mohamed Sultan Rd., 6235-9007.
Max Brenner, #01-06/08 Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Ave., 6235-9556.

Debuted in October 2004 with a self-titled album, pop opera group IL Divo has since been busy crafting its resume. No stranger to awards, IL Divo has topped charts and toured the UK, US, Europe and Australia. Made up of David Miller (tenor), Urs Buhler (tenor), Carlos Marin (baritone) and Sebastian Izambard
(voc populi), this band founded by American Idol’s Simon Cowell has even shared stages with Barbra Streisand.

For the uninitiated: Members of IL Divo come from different countries, only to come together as a group. As a result, there were communication barriers at first. Carlos Marin admits, “There were language and culture hurdles. But those things are minimized now, because we know each other so well. Through the course of coming up with a new sound and going around the world to tour, there have been many different kinds of bonding elements. And the humor we have together always pulls us through any disagreement."

The greater understanding between members has accordingly led to a third album Siempre that surpasses its previous releases. Izambard quips, “Il Divo has grown over the last two and a half years. We know each other better, and we’ve been on tour prior to recording this album. Our voices have just got much stronger and they blend even better here than in our previous two albums.” He adds, “We’ve included more up-tempo songs, and we have a couple that have a bit more rhythm to them. The rest are power ballads. That’s the kind of thing we’re famous or are notorious for. The whole flavor of the album is very Latin. Except for one song, ‘Somewhere,’ which is sang in English. The rest are in Spanish or Italian."

Undoubtedly, IL Divo has a distinct sound and a decent list of achievements under its belt, but that doesn’t mean the band has been immune to criticisms. Purists, for example, have lashed out at them regarding technicalities in members’ singing. Check the group out as they arrive for a sizzling concert come Jan 18 and judge for yourself. Especially if you’re into sentimental tunes and dig the increasing popular sub genre some has termed as the classical crossover, pop opera, popera or what have you. This is still a must if you are into pretty boys with even prettier voices.

Pu’er tea

Pu’er is the name of the town from which this tea was originally bought and sold. Unlike other teas, the fermentation process can take anywhere from one to 50 years, and it is considered a medicinal tea by many Chinese.

“Pu’er is more expensive than other tea since it has gone through a long and complicated fermentation, then the leaves are compressed into solid bricks of various sizes to retain the earthy flavor for longer periods of time. Its flavor gets better and smoother with age,” explains Noppaporn Phasaphong, owner of Ong’s Tea. She advises drinking pu’er tea after a meal as it helps digestion. Beneficial to those with particularly stressful or hedonistic lifestyles, the tea is also believed to help lower blood pressure and detoxify the liver.

Green tea

Due to its minimal fermentation, green teas contain a high concentration of antioxidants. Although it has a shorter shelf life than other teas and generally loses flavor within a year, this tea is said to reduce the risk of cancer and improve cognition. As a staple of the Japanese diet, this tea is cited as part of the reason why they have the longest lifespan in the world. Although it certainly isn’t a cure, much research in the medicinal properties of green tea has consistently found it to reduce the risk of cancer and lower cholesterol.

But watch out: The so-called bottled green tea and iced tea drinks found in your typical convenience store barely contain any health benefits, but instead are loaded with sugar. “They should be called refreshing drinks instead of green tea,” comments Noppaporn.

Black tea

Black tea, commonly known as red tea in china, is the most widely consumed tea in the world. “Unlike green tea, the black tea leaves are fully fermented, which accounts for its higher concentration of caffeine and more robust flavor,” says Bousarin Methangkul, assistant marketing manager of Whittard of Chelsea. Due to its longer oxidation, black teas retain their flavor for far longer. As a stimulant for the central nervous system, the high amount of caffeine found in most black teas promotes alertness and wards off fatigue.

Oolong tea

A popular accompaniment of dim sum, oolong cha lies somewhere between green tea and black tea. “Oolong is half-fermented tea. If it is left longer to oxidize, it would become black tea and have a stronger flavor,” says Noppaporn.

Also, oolong combines the health benefits of both black and green tea but to a lesser degree. Like green tea, oolong is cool in nature and activates the enzymes in the stomach responsible for breaking down oils consumed during a fatty meal.

The discerning tea drinker would describe it as bitter but, like a fine wine, with a sweet aftertaste. “Oolong has a sweet lingering aroma and flavor. Its caffeine content lies between green and black tea, making oolong a great coffee alternative that also works well as a wake-up drink,” adds Ong’s Tea owner.

Herbal tea

An entirely different genre of tea, herbal teas (known as huacha in China) usually don’t contain actual tea leaves and are caffeine-free. The widely popular chrysanthemum tea is purported to prevent sore throats and reduce fever, while lavender tisane is a natural cure for insomnia as its soothing scent has a relaxing effect perfect for those in need of a good night’s rest. Different herbal teas usually cater to specific ailments and most are said to have mild medicinal properties, but it is recommended to consult a doctor before self-treating.

Where to Tea Off

Ong’s Tea
4/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-0445. Open daily 10am-10pm
With its first outlet on Bumrungmuang Rd., this long-standing teashop offers almost every tea under the sun from pu’er to long jing. Teaware items are also on offer.

Whittard of Chelsea
Try G/F, Q House Life Center, 02-610-7519. Open daily 10am-10pm, and G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-7519. Open daily 10am-10pm
The English tea brand provides a vast selection of eastern and western teas. For those seeking to minimize caffeine intake, various flavored teas and decaf infusions are also available.

Erawan Tea Room
2/F, Erawan Bangkok, 02-254-1234. Open daily 10am-10pm
This beautiful tearoom has takeaway packages of tea from India, China, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Also, you can grab a seat and enjoy an ongoing promotion that allows you to enjoy the famous afternoon tea (2:30-6pm) for B150.

The Oriental Shop
G/F, Siam Paragon, 02-610-9845/6. Open daily 10am-10pm
At this Oriental outlet, there are about 10 kinds of tea, with prices starting at B300/can, for you to bring home. Instant tea packages are also on offer for those intimidated by the tea brewing process.

“Good health begins with the right and safe body workout.” Applying this same chiropractic philosophy (a science of spine restructuring without using drugs or surgery) to medical fitness, Dr. Ruj Rojjanasrirat has just opened a new option for health conscious exercisers—Chirofit (Unit 802-804, 8/F, Homeplace Bldg., Thonglor Soi 13, 02-712-7383/-6. www.chirofitbangkok.com).

“Most people don’t realize they are having structural problems until pains and aches occur. We are now trying to introduce preventive methods for our clients,” says Doctor Ruj. The process begins with the client’s 45-minute health checkup (free for first-timers) to designate an appropriate training program for each person. The checkup includes a fitness test, a lab test, body posture analysis and body composition analysis (using an InBody machine that will report your fat level, protein level, mineral level, body strength and diagnose your total health in just a few minutes!). This differs from other fitness programs in that all checkup processes are conducted by professional doctors with a team of experts (including chiropractors, physiotherapists, sport scientists and nutritionists) on hand to monitor members closely.

Taking up most of the 8th floor, the place consists of a wide reception area, aerobics room, Pilates room, girokinesis room, sauna, cycling room, gym and an examination room. Everything at Chirofit is super clean, neat, hiso and standardized (even combs in its bathroom are Evita’s). All gym equipment is top brands shipped from the US including Precors, Hammer Strength, Free Motion, Technogym and Peak Pilates. Chirofit prides itself on being the first medical fitness center in Thailand offering yoga, aerobics, stretching and Pilates classes conducted by qualified teachers, including Or-Yah Avni, a leading world-class instructor and the owner of The Pilatestudio. Moreover, to give each member the most exclusive experience, it limits memberships to 1,000, so you can be sure that the place won’t get too crowded.

A one-year membership to Chirofit costs B72,000 (B42,000 for the first 250 members). Sign up now and get a package that includes six personal training sessions, a B10,000 voucher, physiotherapy treatment (if needed) and nutritional consultation.

Wang Lang, at Siriraj Pier, is a paradise for anyone from auntie shoppers to dek naew wanna-bes. There’s everything here from food to toys, but the majority of the buzz centers on the second hand clothes. Wang Lang gets busy every day from 10am to 6pm. Most people go there by boat (B13 from Sathorn Pier and B3 from Phrachan Pier). After landing from the boat, you will find many stores on the dock, but ignore them (the boatmen whispered to us that all the stuff on the dock is from Sampeng). Just walk past that through the soi, turn left and then turn right again at the first corner, and you will arrive at the popular section of Wang Lang. Along the way, you can find lots of skirts, pants, jeans and bags, with prices starting as low as B10. Even though Wang Lang is smaller and has less variety than Saphan Phut, it’s easier to walk here and it’s open to the broad daylight so you can clearly see what you are buying. If you are lucky enough, you can find some quality goods at incredibly low prices. Things along the road are quite mixed and some of the stuff is from Sampeng, so we’ll recommend two of the best spots you should drop in.

The first one is a garage-like space with a green roof Inside there are lots of second hand shoes and bags. The goods are appropriate for both sporty and retro people. If you want something that looks quite new, you have to pay around B300-700. Those good looking ones are cleaned and repaired. But if you don’t mind the smell and dirt, you can opt for the very cheap ones in shabby condition, priced from B10-90, then get to work washing it with hot water and bleach.

Another good spot to check out is a narrow soi locally called Soi Big Kung. This soi is a mix of second hand goods and new products from dek naew owners. Around 100 meters from the entrance, on your left, you will find a cool looking shop with original designed shirts, T-shirts, skirts and pants. The quality is similar to any boutique in Siam Square but the price is cheaper—around B200-600 per item. Walking in further, you will find a second hand jeans shop, with hip retro neckties. This section is open quite late so it’s better to show up later in the evening.

Wear sandals and shorts because it will be easier when you want to try on something and it’s cooler, as well. Before you go, remember to check the tide because if the place is flooded it can be a real hell on earth.

A is for alcohol and advertising

A match, for better or worse, which may soon be no more.

B is for bomb

Perhaps jealous of all the attention separatists were getting in the South, “someone” (he/she was never caught) left a bomb in a car near the former prime minister’s home. The bomb never went off, though there was an explosion of finger-pointing.

C is for cats, and the men who eat them

Imagine being so poor that you’d eat a cat to survive. That’s the premise behind “Poo Boa Kin Maew,” a luk thoong song that became a surprise smash hit, no doubt due to its controversial subject matter. Now, if we could only find a group that enjoyed dining on dogs, our stray animal problem in Bangkok might be solved. (Just kidding.)

D is for demonstrations

In 2006, the people took to the streets and demanded that their voices be heard. For some it was out of conviction, for others an interesting way to pass the time (“fun for the whole family!”). Not only were the demonstrations for the most part peaceful, there were also numerous displays of heartwarming generosity and comradery.

E is for Erawan Shrine

In the midst of Thaksin madness, a mentally ill man took a hammer to the revered Erawan Shrine and left the statue of Brahma in pieces. His penalty for his attack on the god of creation? Death, by an angry mob.

F is for flooding

The jury is still out on whether the problem was an extraordinary amount of rain or extraordinary stupidity on the part of humans, but flooding made the lives of many Thais miserable this year. Let’s hope we won’t need to build more portable floating toilets in 2007.

G is for gay

Out of the closet and into BK! In June we launched our special gay issue, G Magazine (Jun 23, 2006), which was full of fashion, travel, nightlife, events, resources and more. Don’t worry if you missed it: You can look forward to two more in 2007.

H is for health

Bird flu is still a problem. Despite previous success in the fight against AIDS, a recent study suggests that the rate of HIV among gay Thai men has increased to “epidemic” levels. And public enemy number one? Alcohol.

I is for IQ

In July, Education Ministry officials broke the disturbing news that Thai children are below average when compared with their counterparts in other countries. But not to worry: Officials announced a five-year “intellectual development” plan that would help raise the average IQ of Thai children from 88 to 100 by 2008. Uh, isn’t 2008 minus 2006 two years?

J is for Jigme

With His Majesty’s 60th anniversary, royalty from around the world visited Bangkok in June. The youngest visitor was the then crown prince of Bhutan, dubbed Prince Charming by the press. Within days, posters of the handsome 26-year-old, who is now King Jigme, were being sold on the street to his adoring Thai fans.

K is for King

His Majesty the King celebrated his 60th year on the throne this year, and with this auspicious occasion came a number of notable celebrations including art and photo exhibitions, a royal barge procession, concerts and a who’s who of visiting dignitaries. We love our King!

L is for letters

And who was Thailand’s #1 letter-writer? Then Caretaker Premier Thaksin, who sent letters to several Asian heads of state explaining why he was taking a break and then another to “W” Bush in which he blamed his political opponents for the turmoil here but insisted he was in control. Oops! Then came the coup and his resignation letter.

M is for malls

You know what Bangkok really needs? More Mammoth Mega Malls. This year saw the blooming of the Siam Square area into Bangkok’s unabashed orgiastic epicenter of capitalism. With Siam Center, Paragon, Discovery, MBK and CentralWorld all within a 5km radius, the temptation to throw yourself into a whirlwind of debt is stronger than ever.

N is for New York

It is said that if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. But what if you don’t? The former prime minister found out the hard way. His visit to the Big Apple began with protesters and ended with him desperately declaring a state of emergency before he joined the ranks of the unemployed.

O is for o-ver

Not “over” as in English but “o-ver”: The Culture Ministry’s crusade against coyote dancing (see “T”), then going after Somtow Sucharitkul’s opera. Banning all forms of alcohol advertising. Shutting down websites. Warning labels on snack food. At least they didn’t chop the end off The DaVinci Code.

P is for promises

“The airport will be ready in time.” “I will protect democracy with my life.” “There will not be a coup.”

Q is for quiet

In 2006 a group called the People Who Love Quiet Club emerged following a “test run” of TV monitors showing ads in Skytrain carriages. They pleaded with BTS officials to cut the audio, but their calls fell on deaf ears.

R is for Royal Flora

“What could be more simple that a little flower show?” the organizers must have thought. But then along came plant thieves, plastic plants, too few toilets (see “S”) and flowers that wouldn’t bloom. And what’s with the translation of “Ratchaphreuk” as “Golden Shower” tree?

S is for Suvarnabhumi

After years of anticipation, scandals, test runs, leaks, toilet shortages, encroachment and a BK fashion shoot, the new airport finally opened. People are still so excited about it they come to Suvarnabhumi just to walk around as if it’s a shopping mall; others park on the side of the highway and watch planes taking off and landing.

T is for Tanks

The coup not only provided what was ostensibly a solution to the political deadlock, but it also gave us the coolest photo opps of the year. Who wouldn’t want to be a tank girl or boy for a day and pose next to those big, strong, camouflaged men? Even coyote girls famously—and controversially—got into the act.

U is for UN job

As in the one formerly occupied by Kofi Annan that was not filled by Thaksin’s Thai hopeful. Oh well, maybe next time, Surakiart.

V is for violence

We wish that this year we could use “V” for something else (“victory,” perhaps), but the violence in the three southern-most provinces of Thailand continues despite the best efforts of government officials, religious leaders and other parties.

W is for World Cup

World Cup fever raced around the world and Thailand was no exception to the rule, even if we did have to watch all the big games after midnight. Consider yourself lucky if you weren’t in prison, as they showed the games but not live.

X is for xenophobia

In 2006, bird flu was blamed on a “neighboring country”; in the wake of the John Mark Karr spectacle, tougher visa rules were introduced for foreigners; and, though better described as “ignorance” than “xenophobia,” we made films that offended the sensibilities of Laos and Cambodia.

Y is for yellow

Polo shirts commemorating the 60th anniversary of HM the King’s accession to the throne were the essential fashion item of the year. When they were first introduced to the public there were shortages and allegations of counterfeiting, but now they can be found in (slightly) varying shades, styles and price points.

Z is for Jay-Z

He actually came to Bangkok to the surprise and delight of hip hoppers the city over—at least the ones who had B3,000 to spend on a ticket to the show.

Fogo Vivo

G/F President Arcade Tower, 973 Ploenchit Rd., 02-656-0384. Open daily 6pm-1am (in the upstairs bar). BTS Ploenchit.
It’s posh, it has a good location and of late it has been the rising star of nightlife. If you need some caloric intake before you dazzle everyone with your dance moves, try the Brazilian buffet (B960) downstairs. Every Latin lover or Latin lover lover should be there: the smooth movers, the curious, and even some tourists. You won’t be shipwrecked; they’re all very welcoming and there’s always someone to help you with your dance steps.

Senor Pico Bar and Restaurant

Rembrandt Hotel, Sukhumvit 18, 02-261-7100. Open daily 5pm-1am. BTS Asoke, MRT Sukhumvit.
Serves Mexican food in an atmosphere that walks a fine line between cheesy and authentic. There’s a sizeable dance floor where you can show off your skills but coming alone just for dancing isn’t such a great idea. Weekdays are better for dinner. Fri and Sat are filled with expats, which could be good for expanding your business network. Saucy salsa songs are provided by Los Gafas, Tue-Sun 7pm-midnight.

Patty’s Fiesta

109-111 Soi Patpong, Silom Rd., 02-632-7898/9. Open daily 11am-2am. BTS Saladaeng. MRT Silom.
Another well-known place packed to the rafters with Mexican décor. Opt for the mezzanine for a breeze and a bird’s eye view of the bar. Most customers are farangs with their “girlfriends” (cough cough) so you better bring your own dance partner. Enjoy live music and Patty’s Fiesta (B220), a strong cocktail that will make your moves smoother (or at least seem that way to you).

Feb 27 Former political detainees, Tan Jing Quee, 66, and Michael Fernandez, 72, speak at forum Detention-Writing-Healing and call for a telling of the stories of Singapore’s former political detainees in the spirit of making Singapore a more open, democratic society. An audience of about 200 mostly young people attends. +200

Mar 4 Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong challenges the opposition to contest all 84 seats in the coming General Election. +200

Mar 7 Law Minister S. Jayakumar says the Singapore Bar will soon recognize postgraduate degrees from four US universities. +200

Apr 14 A straw poll of Singaporeans aged 21 to 73 conducted by Today newspaper finds 60 percent say they are unafraid of voting against the PAP and 60 percent say they do not fear criticizing the PAP. +50

Apr 28 Crime Library Singapore refuses to remove the thousands of “missing person” posters it has put up at bus stops and walkways all over the island, saying it is providing a public service, and that the posters have proven very effective. +200

Jul 7 The National Internet Advisory Committee decides to abandon the idea of registering bloggers. +100

July 22 It is decided that no police action will be taken against the group of protesters who gathered at City Hall MRT station to show their support for blogger Mr. Brown. +50

Sep 7 In a discussion with The Feedback Unit, a group of 12 youths suggested moving away from the unit’s top-down approach and providing support for youths who want to organize their own forums and dialogues. +50

Sep 13 Since awarding Singapore the rights to host its annual meetings, the IMF and World Bank meet with Singaporean youths on around 50 occasions to discuss such topics like elitism in education, the widening income gap and minimizing poverty in third world countries. +50

Sep 29 The EM3 stream in primary schools is criticized for labeling weaker students. In a turnaround by the Ministry of Education, streaming will be dropped by 2008 in favor of subject-based banding. +100

Nov 9 The Government proposes that anal and oral sex between two consenting heterosexual adults in the privacy of the bedroom will be considered legal. +150